USS Archerfish (SS/AGSS-311) was a Balao-class submarine. She was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the archerfish.
Archerfish undergoing a sea test on 5 June 1945 near San Francisco
USS Archerfish: Sinking the 72,000-ton Aircraft Carrier Shinano
Why an Archerfish? Archerfish are remarkably accurate in their shooting; an adult fish almost always hits the target on the first shot.
An archerfish will often leap out of the water and grab an insect in its mouth if it happens to be within reach. Individuals typically prefer to remain close to the surface of the water.
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Illustration of an archerfish shooting water at a bug on a hanging branch
On the evening of 28 November 1944, a large aircraft carrier, screened by four escorts, was sighted leaving Tokyo Bay. After a dogged six and one-half hour surface pursuit of the elusive, high speed target, a position ahead of the carrier was obtained when the formation zigged. A dive was made, and six torpedoes hit out of six fired hit the target. Moments later, a great glowing ball of fire climbed up the Japanese ship’s side, and the Americans soon heard a series of tremendous explosions while the enemy vessel disintegrated. Not until after the end of the war did the Americans learn that Archerfish had sunk the 59,000-ton* Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano, the largest man-of-war sunk by any submarine. The Presidential Unit Citation was later awarded to the Archerfish for this action.
In the seven war patrols Archerfish steamed 75,000 miles and made 908 dives. Credit was given for two ships totaling 81,050 tons of enemy shipping were sunk or damaged. One flyer was rescued during the third patrol and The Presidential Unit Citation was awarded for the successful attack on Shinano during the fifth patrol. The combat insignia was awarded for patrols three, five, and six six.
The USS Archerfish received seven battle stars for her World War II service.
See: ARCHERFISH History – 1943 to 1968
Author’s Note: “Archerfish represent an interesting species to test social learning as there is some evidence to suggest they may be capable of social learning through imitation, currently considered taxonomically restricted and not shown for fish.”
Shinano underway during sea trials in Tokyo Bay
USS Archerfish: Sinking the 72,000-ton Aircraft Carrier Shinano